Mia Gregerson wins House passage of first bill

One of the newest members of the state House, Rep. Mia Gregerson – who also serves as the Mayor of SeaTac – experienced a legislative rite of passage Thursday (Feb. 13) when the full House for the first time approved a bill that she had sponsored.

“It’s another landmark for me – like when I was appointed to the House, and when I was sworn in,” Gregerson, a SeaTac Democrat, said. “I hope to do a lot more here that helps out the people I represent, and the state as a whole.”

The measure, House Bill 2723, adds safeguards for homeowners and makes other adjustments to the Foreclosure Fairness Act, the 2011 law that protects borrowers from predatory and unscrupulous practices by lenders in home foreclosures. The measure was supported by lenders and housing advocates and was approved unanimously.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

In a standard ritual, Gregerson was hazed by a fellow House Democrat – in this case, her 33rd District seatmate, Tina Orwall. Orwall, who sponsored the 2011 law, jokingly told the House that Gregerson didn’t understand that the Legislature enacts only perfect laws that need no revisions, so that Gregerson’s bill is unnecessary.

Gregerson was appointed to the House late last year to serve out the unexpired term of Dave Upthegrove, who was elected to the King County Council in November.